Life

4 Days, 1 Race: IRONMAN 70.3 New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - AUGUST 23: Pubs and bars with neon lights in the French Quarter, downtown New Orleans on August 23, 2015.

Break your PB on the Bayou while you soak up everything NOLA has to offer.

by Zoie Clift

New Orleans routinely racks up accolades as a city to fall in love with. Known as the Crescent City due to its location in the bend of the Mississippi River, the Louisiana locale was recently named one of the Best Cities in North America by Travel + Leisure magazine. It's also at the core of what makes the annual IRONMAN 70.3 New Orleans stand out.

"The fact that you have an IRONMAN 70.3 in a city like New Orleans, there is so much to see and do. You've got to take in the uniqueness of the city," says Bill Burke, President and Founder of PEM, which operates the event.

IRONMAN 70.3 New Orleans, which has been held for the past eight years in April, is moving to a new fall race date—landing this year on October 22. October is one of the best weather months for the city. The lower humidity and warmer water temperatures will be welcome changes for athletes. In terms of logistics, racers will now have the full spring and summer months to train adequately.

With strong cultural influences from France, Africa and the Caribbean Islands, New Orleans has a reputation for cuisine, live music, and diverse neighborhoods. Taking in this colorful ambience is at the heart of the racing experience here. Below is a peek at some of what awaits both on and off the race course.

Day 1: Welcome to NOLA

There is so much to see and do in the city that the real test won't be what to do, but how to pace yourself. In light of this, a walk on the mile-long stretch of Riverfront downtown is a good way to get a view of the Mississippi River and the parade of tug boats and barges.

The walk along the river leads to the French Quarter, where you can see landmarks such as St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in North America. This landmark overlooks Jackson Square, the heart of the Quarter and a great people-watching spot bustling with street musicians and artists. Get a lay of the neighborhood by walking the narrow cobblestone streets and taking in the architecture of the neighborhood's European roots. There are numerous stores to browse through and Cafe du Monde for your beignet and coffee fix.

Next, stroll Royal Street, which is home to art galleries and antique stores. Head over to famous Bourbon Street to take in the sights, and then grab a bite to eat at Central Grocery—founded in 1906 and is home of the original muffuletta sandwich. Finish up with a meander along nearby Frenchman Street in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, where you can hear the sounds of New Orleans jazz at Preservation Music Hall. Many venues, such as The Spotted Cat, have concerts every night of the week.

Day 2: Get ready to race

In New Orleans, no destination is too far away by car. The race has been held at South Shore Harbor on the south side of Lake Pontchartrain for the past few years. The venue hosts the start and finish area and is about 20 minutes from downtown.

Of note, the harbor is in the midst of being entirely renovated by the Tipitina's Foundation, which owns a famous bar and music club in town. A new amphitheater for live music is planned, as well as a promenade, and a new restaurant with panoramic views of the lake and downtown. It's anticipated that some of the renovations will be finished by race day and next year, spectators will be able to watch racers from the restaurant, which has a view of the swim exit.

This year, expo and package pick-up will be on site at South Shore Harbor. The National World War II Museum, which is located downtown in the Warehouse District, is also docking a fully restored combat-veteran PT (Patrol Torpedo) boat that racers will pass at the swim exit. (These were important vessels for the U.S. Navy during the war and this is the only one in world that is still in operation today. It's open for rides and tours on Saturdays if you book ahead.)

Before or after hitting the race venue to check in, hit the expo, and attend your race briefing, get lunch at The Blue Crab, a restaurant and oyster bar near the famous Southern Yacht Club 10 minutes from South Shore Harbor. From here, head to City Park to walk around one of the nation's oldest urban parks and decompress. The park is home to beautiful oak trees, moss canopies, and also the New Orleans Museum of Art—one of the top art museums in the South.

Day 3: Hit the course

Parking at the race venue is ample and within walking distance of the transition area and swim start/finish. A shuttle from the University of New Orleans is being offered this year.

For those unfamiliar with the course, the swim is in a secure area inside the harbor, inside of a closed barrier so racers are protected from the wind and elements. A fast out-and-back bike section goes by Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, where races will pass marshes, railroad bridges, and fishermen on the bayou. The run is an out and back route along the lakefront.

After the race, celebrate with a bite at one of the many spots around town, including Mother's Po Boys, located downtown on Poydras street and an institution in the city. Open since the 1930s, this restaurant offers a sampling of any New Orleans food you can think of, from jambalaya to roast beef 'po boys. In the mood for lighter fare, try The Rum House, a Caribbean-inspired taco and rum bar on Magazine Street, a famous six-mile street where you can find a range of shops and neighborhoods to browse.

Day 4: Recover the Southern way

Congratulations, you've conquered the course! It's now time for recovery of the sort only NOLA can deliver. First, head to scenic Audubon Park, located in Uptown and across the street from Tulane and Loyola universities to unwind. The scenic park is named after naturalist John James Audubon and has a jogging path where you can walk out the legs (or crash on a park bench!). The waterfront portion of the park is called The Fly and offers views of the Mississippi River. In the neighborhood are numerous spots to grab a recovery meal and drink including High Hat Cafe, which has a full bar and serves Southern style cuisine, and Cure, a cocktail lounge located in a renovated former fire station.

The diversity of neighborhoods found in the city are an alluring part of the character and magic of New Orleans. Before you leave, revisit your favorite spot and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds that make the city special to you. The colorful creole cottages and a vibrant artsy vibe can be found in the eclectic Bywater neighborhood, located downriver from the French Quarter. Check out Bacchanal Wine, where you can unwind and recap your race over small plate hors d'oeuvres, wine, and live music in an outdoor courtyard setting.